Richard Branson On Why "Thinking Differently Is An Asset"

It's Dyslexia awareness week in the UK and probably the most well-known sufferer of this learning difficulty is Sir Richard Branson. While many people may think this would hold someone back in life. Sir Richard is someone who blows this myth apart categorically. In fact he even says Dyslexia has turned into one of his biggest strengths because it's helped him think differently to most people:

"I was surprised to learn only three per cent of people see dyslexia as an advantage. Unfortunately for many young people, success and intelligence is measured through exams – which don’t recognise or measure many skills that dyslexics bring to the table.

That’s why I left school at 16 to start Student – and I haven’t looked back. I’ve always dreamed big and I’m naturally good at thinking creatively and being able to see the big picture. Dyslexia can help you problem solve and even drive innovation as you look for new ways of doing things."

It just shows that it's not our strengths and weaknesses that hold us back in life, it's our PERCEPTION of them! One thing legends are good at is seeing their challenges and weaknesses as opportunities. This means they inevitably turn them into strengths!

Mary Barra Sets 'Zero Goals' For General Motors

By James Mills, Associate Partner & Mentorship Coach, Lighthouse International

Mary Barra, the CEO of General Motors, outlined her vision for the company in a LinkedIn post on Tuesday. However, at no point in the post did she talk about profit, turnover or even stock price; instead she talked about the impact she wanted the company to have on the world. She said:

"A safer, better, more sustainable world for us all.

Zero crashes — so we save lives.

Zero emissions — so our children can inherit a healthier planet.

Zero congestion — so our customers get back a precious commodity: time.

This is GM’s vision, and this is the future we’re going to deliver to move humanity forward."

This recognises not only what motivates and inspires people, but also appreciates the impact that any global organisation has on people and the environment. She knows that any effective goal needs to be meaningful for it to align people around shared values. As individuals, the greater awareness we have of the bigger picture, the more we feel a sense of responsibility for the consequences and want to be part of the solution. Any leader, therefore, must be aware that their influence and impact may be multiplied by hundreds, even thousands of times!!